The wood is indeed unsteamed. Maybe it would have been better, because I had to cope with some extensive mildew-like stains in the wood. Of course, steaming tends to muddy the color of walnut, which is a pitty. European walnut is very lively colored of itself. Some of the stains are still there, but I'm slowly getting used to it. It's all about using the wood as it is, faults and beauty alike.